"Welcome once again to the Seventh Monitoring Station."
Station Master Liang clasped his hands on the table and looked at the newcomers with satisfaction. "First, let me introduce myself. My surname is Liang—Liang Zhi, Zhi as in intelligence. I am the current Station Master of the Seventh Monitoring Station."
An electronic screen appeared before everyone at the conference table, and the newcomers picked them up.
As all kinds of information began appearing on the Electronic Screens, Station Master Liang began his explanation:
"The Seventh Monitoring Station, as its name suggests, was originally the seventh monitoring station established to observe unusual activity in the Abyss."
"Later, as exploration of the Abyss gradually deepened, the Monitoring Station also took on functions such as research, hunter supplies, mission postings, and communications. You can think of it as a small city."
"You'll need to gradually familiarize yourselves with the Monitoring Station's affairs during your missions. Everything is also on the Electronic Screens issued to you. If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask the station guides, so I won't go into too much detail."
"Next, let's discuss the most important matter."
Station Master Liang adjusted his glasses. His expression gradually turned solemn, and his gaze sharpened.
He took a deep breath and slowed his tone.
"Although I know you've heard this enough before entering the Abyss, out of responsibility, I still have to say it once more."
"You may have learned about the Great Cataclysm fifty years ago from many places."
"In the east of the Eurasian Continent, in what is now Dawn City, an enormous void of unknown destination appeared. Various Abyss Creatures and Relics poured out of it."
"Those Abyss Creatures and Relics began invading every corner of the world. In the end, humanity's counterattack drove them back into the Abyss."
"But the Abyss still remained, drawing people from all over the world here to seek adventure. Those who came here to explore the Abyss were given the title of 'hunters.'"
"That is also the origin of the characters on your badges. Of course, you have all seen the Relic used to make those badges. Next, I'll talk about the layer we are currently in."
"Abyss First Layer—the Forest of Aberrations."
"To this day, the Forest of Aberrations remains a key area of research. As the largest layer of the Abyss, it is filled with all manner of strange Abyss Creatures. It is also the primary source of the invasion of the human world, and many treasures still await our discovery."
"I won't waste words on the other layers, but I do have rather deep insights into the Abyss First Layer."
Station Master Liang paused, looking over the crowd and sweeping his gaze across the youthful faces full of anticipation. His expression was grave as he spoke each word distinctly.
"The Abyss is dangerous, even if it is only the Abyss First Layer."
"Every day, hunters die from all kinds of unforeseen dangers."
As he spoke, Station Master Liang's eyes had already reddened, his expression filled with desolation.
"People flock to the Abyss's treasures, but do not forget the dangers of the Abyss. This is my heartfelt advice. Please remember it."
As Mo Ling listened, he looked toward the Electronic Screens the newcomers were operating. The dangers of the Abyss First Layer were described there in crystal-clear detail.
Creatures humanity could not imagine, unknown forms of species.
Mo Ling's worldview was hit by an enormous shock. Compared to this, was the Totem Spirit Camp full of white bones merely child's play?
Station Master Liang continued slowly, his sincerity plain to see.
"Sorry, I've discouraged everyone again."
"A hunter is one who exhausts heart and soul, enduring hardship in pursuit of what they desire. I hope every hunter here can find what they seek in the Abyss."
Hearing Station Master Liang's blessing, the newcomers began applauding of their own accord, their faces full of fighting spirit.
Yet Li Luo remained expressionless, continuing to swipe across the electronic screen in her hand as she carefully read its contents.
"Girl, you really have no manners," Mo Ling could not help muttering.
Station Master Liang noticed Li Luo as well, but did not show anything. After thinking for a moment, he added, "Let me tell you about something you might be interested in."
"Relics."
"They refer to a series of strange objects discovered in the Abyss. Relics possess many unique abilities that modern human technology cannot achieve."
"The technical principles behind Relics are completely different from what humanity currently understands, so people are still researching the functions of various Relics."
"Users need to pay a certain 'price' to use a Relic. Some are relatively simple, while others are difficult to bear."
"Generally speaking, a Relic's effects are proportional to its price. The farther down one goes into the Abyss, the more terrifying the prices and abilities of the Relics discovered become."
"Some Relics are exceptions. They are highly powerful yet require only a very small price, but such Relics may be cumbersome or attack indiscriminately. Each has its own flaws, and ways must be found to make up for them."
"In the Abyss First Layer, Relics are extremely rare. After obtaining one, a hunter can choose to use it personally or turn it in. Naturally, the authorities will offer a substantial reward."
Although Station Master Liang was ostensibly introducing things to everyone, Mo Ling felt that his words carried a hidden implication.
"You can also look up information on Relics yourselves. A handy Relic is the best 'companion' for exploring the Abyss."
"There are still many mysteries surrounding the Abyss, and you'll need to explore them yourselves. Let's stop here for today. I need to hurry and investigate the riot."
"My office is on the second floor of the main hall. If you wish to visit or seek advice, you may contact my secretary at any time."
After saying that, Station Master Liang stood and bowed to the newcomers again before leaving the Meeting Room amid their applause.
With Station Master Liang's departure, all kinds of discussions broke out in the Meeting Room. Some people could not wait to head outside.
Li Luo continued browsing the electronic screen in her hand, then took another one from her bag and transferred all the data over.
Mo Ling had also benefited greatly. Though much was still unclear, a corner of this world was gradually being unveiled before him.
"Abyss? Relics? Where the hell did I end up after sleeping for one night?"
Mo Ling's heart was filled with conflict. He had considered using the teleporting note to let the Outside World know what was happening and rescue him.
But he still did not know this world's exact attitude toward him. They might even treat him as an Abyss Creature.
Besides, even he could not make sense of his current abnormality.
Wait a little longer. Hide a little longer. There's nothing wrong with being cautious.
Li Luo quickly finished transferring the information from the electronic screen and entered the main hall with the metal block.
Du Kang was leaning against a pillar in the main hall, holding a thermos as he drank tea. Seeing Li Luo emerge from the Meeting Room, he hurried over. "Did Old Liang say anything? He always lectures newcomers about a whole bunch of things."
"No."
Li Luo's answer was extremely brief, but she immediately followed it with a question for Du Kang.
"How do you get to the Abyss Second Layer?"
Cough, cough, cough!
Du Kang nearly choked on a mouthful of tea. He turned his head and sprayed tea all over the floor.
"Sorry, the tea was a little hot."
"It's fine."
The girl suddenly became very polite at that moment.
Before you continue